Tuesday, November 30, 2010

As per information provided by Department of Personnel & Training, a Special Recruitment Drive has been launched to fill up the backlog reserved vacancies of SCs, STs and OBCs in the Ministries / departments / Subordinate Offices / Attached Offices /Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous Bodies etc. of the Central Government. Information about State Governments is not centrally maintained.

Some vacancies of SCs remain vacant for reasons like non-availability of suitable candidates to fill up the vacancies. Special efforts are made to fill up such vacancies by making second attempt to fill up the vacancies in the same year or through Special Recruitment Drive etc. As per the information received from 73 Ministries/Departments, there were 24967 backlog reserved vacancies of SCs as on 01.11.2008 of which 6548 have been filled up by the Drive launched in 2008 .

This information was given by Shri. D. Napoleon, the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

Monday, November 29, 2010

NEW DELHI: Taxpayers will now have to procure a 'new number' for filing returns and making any communication with the Income Tax department.

The unique Document identification number (DIN), on the lines of numbers like PAN and TAN, will be quoted on "every" income tax-related communication, including returns to be filed next year for the financial year 2010-11.

According to the new guidelines brought out by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the DIN will be mandatory "in respect of every notice, order, letter or any correspondence" with the department, by the taxpayers.

"The DIN will be generated by the I-T department and will be useful, essentially, for error-free filing of tax returns, claiming refunds and other communication with the department by the assesses," a senior Finance Ministry official said.

The 'Aykar Sampark Kendras' will hand out the DIN from this month, the official said.

Assesses will not be put to any trouble, as the numbers will be generated and allotted by the department itself.

I-T officials will also be allotted the numbers in order to streamline the process, the official said, adding, the number has to be produced thereon for every activity with the department.

Taxpayers and tax collectors are currently required to quote Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) among others when returns are filed with the department.

According to section 282B of the Income Tax Act that deals with DIN, if the document sent to the tax authority does not bear this unique computer-generated number then "such document, letter or any correspondence shall be treated as invalid and shall be deemed never to have been received."

DIN is aimed at bringing more transparency in tax administration as the whole exercise involves a number of documents and proformas. Apart from regular filing of taxes, a taxpayer deals with the department for various other financial services, which DIN will help to ease, the official said.

The GMs/CAOs(R),
All Indian Railways & Production Units
(As per mailing list)

Subject: Placement of Pharmacists in the Entry Grade Pay of Rs.4200/-(NFG) on completion of 2 years service in the Grade Pay Rs.2800/-

In terms of Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2009/1/RSRP/10 dated 30.03.2010, the Pharmacists (Entry Grade) in the pre-revised scale Rs.4500-7000 have been granted Grade Pay Rs.2800 in Pay Band-1 (Rs.5200-20200) w.e.f.01.01.2006. On completion of two years of regular service in the Grade Pay of Rs.2800, the Pharmacists (Entry Grade) in PB-1 (Rs.5200-20200) are eligible to be granted non-functional upgradation to the next higher Grade Pay of Rs.4200 in the Pay Band-2 (Rs.9300-34800).

2. A reference has been received from NFIR stating that some of the Zonal Railways are insisting on rendering of two years service by the Pharmacists in Grade Pay Rs.2800 for being placed in Pay Band-2, Grade Pay Rs.4200 in the revised pay structure ignoring the service rendered by them in the pre-revised pay scale Rs.4500-7000 and requested for issue of suitable clarification to the effect that the service put in by them in the pre-revised scale of Rs.4500-7000 which corresponds to Grade Pay Rs.2800/-should also be taken into account for counting two years service in Grade Pay Rs.2800 stipulated in Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2009/I/RSRP/10 dated 30.03.2010.

3. The matter has been considered in Board’s Office and it is clarified that the regular service rendered by the Pharmacists in the pre-revised scale Rs.4500-7000 should be counted as service in Grade Pay of Rs.2800 for being placed in Non-functional Grade of Pharmacists in Pay Band-2 (Rs.9300-34800), Grade Pay Rs.4200 in terms of Board’s letter No.PC-Vl/2009/I/RSRP/10 dated 30.03.2010

4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Personal expenditure Allowance to transport system employee's exemption Increased As per Income tax Act section 10(14) exemption limit of various allowances has been prescribed under rule 2BB of income tax rules. One of them is allowance to transport system employee to meet personal expenditure during his duty performance.

Present rule is given as under

Allowance description: Any allowance granted to an employee working in any transport system to meet his personal expenditure during his duty performed in the course of running of such transport from one place to another place, provided that such employee is not in receipt of daily allowance

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 295 read with clause (14) of section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Board ofDirect Taxes hereby makes the following rule further to amend Income-tax Rules, 1962, namely :—

1. (1) These Rule may be called the Income-tax (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2010.

(2) They shall be deemed to have come into force retrospectively with effect from 1st day of September, 2008. 2. In the Income-tax Rules, 1962, in rule 2BB, in sub-rule (2), in the Table, against serial number 4, in column 4, for letters, figures and words. 6,000 per month” the letters, figures and words, . 10,000 per month” shall be substituted.

Sportspersons on Indian Railways are recruited through Open Advertisement as well as Talent Scouting Scheme. The sportspersons fulfilling the criteria as per norms, are invited for selection trials. The sportspersons found fit during trials are issued offer of appointment, after verification of certificates and completing all requisite formalities.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Ministry has been implementing Pre-matric and Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for the OBC students through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The State-wise and year-wise funds released and number of beneficiaries during the last five years under the above schemes are given in the attached tables.

The question of streamlining the functioning of CGHS dispensaries has been engaging the attention of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for some time now. After considering the suggestions received from various quarters and after discussing the matter with officials of CGHS, it has been decided, as an initial measure, to streamline the functioning of CGHS dispensaries as below :-

(i) There is a need for officers and staff in CGHS dispensaries to further improve the delivery of service to CGHS beneficiaries. There should be a constant and conscious effort to redress most of the grievances and problems of these beneficiaries at the dispensary level so that there is no inconvenience caused to them forcing them to approach higher authorities for redressal of their grievances. The entire staff at the dispensary level have to ensure a polite, positive and responsible attitude to make the service delivery better. The CMO In-charge must make every effort to ensure this user friendly environment. Complaints of rude/impolite behavior need to be checked and stern action taken by CMOs (Incharge).

(ii) It is well established that CGHS beneficiaries need to be provided better service. Senior citizens/pensioners among the CGHS beneficiaries deserve special attention and response. It is re-iterated that senior citizens/pensioners need to be given out of queue treatment and service at each activity level. Despite repeated instructions in this regard, this system is generally not being enforced at the dispensary level. CMOs incharge must ensure compliance of these instructions.

(iii) CMOs In-charge of the dispensaries shall personally make rounds of the dispensary particularly during peak hours to ensure that there is proper environment and beneficiaries particularly pensioners/Senior Citizens are being treated promptly;

(iv) The Zonal Additional Directors/Joint Directors shall convene the meetings of Pensioners Associations once in two months alongwith CMOs (Incharge) without fail.

(v) A complaint/suggestion/feedback Box with details like number of complaints received and disposed etc. under a seal and lock will be kept at each dispensary and will be opened by the CMO In-charge in the presence of at least two members of the Advisory Committee when the Advisory Committee meeting is being held and necessary action taken by the Advisory Committee with regard to complaints/ suggestions/feedback thus received and, wherever required, the matter will be referred to higher authorities for necessary action.

(vi) All Zonal Additional Directors and Joint Directors shall conduct at least five surprise inspections of the dispensaries in Delhi and at least two in other cities in a month and report the outcome of the inspection indicating the areas such as punctuality, availability and behavior of officers/staff, special care for pensioners/Senior Citizens, deficit areas/complaints and also the good work done in each of the dispensaries inspected, by way of a confidential monthly d.o. letter to reach AS & DG (CGHS) without fail on or before 10th of the succeeding month;

(vii) It is seen that a large number of beneficiaries go to the dispensaries for taking repeat medicines. Authorization of repeat medicines will hereinafter be done by any of the CMOs, apart from the CMO In-charge, available in the dispensary;

(viii) The Zonal Additional Directors/Joint Directors will personally monitor and ensure that the empanelled hospitals etc. do adhere to the terms & conditions of MOAs. They will also supervise the services, if any, being provided by the private parties in their zones such as dialysis, dental services etc.

2. Director, CGHS and all Additional Directors/Joint Directors and CMOs In-charge are hereby directed to fully comply with the instructions contained in this Office Memorandum in both letter and spirit. Noncompliance shall be viewed seriously.

Mobile Number Portability Service to be Launched today Shri Kapil Sibal to Inaugurate the Service in Rohtak, Haryana

The much awaited Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service will be launched today in Rohtak, Haryana. The Union Minister of Communications & IT Shri Kapil Sibal with Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana as the Chief Guest will inaugurate the service at a function in Rohtak at 3 p.m. on 25.11.2010.

A plan for phased migration of networks in all the remaining 22 (excluding Haryana) Licensed Service Areas in the country for working in MNP scenario is being chalked out in consultation with service providers. The detailed program for the entire country will be announced separately.

From today, mobile phone customers in Haryana Licensed Service Area (LSA) will have the choice of selecting their telecom service provider (operator) in with out changing their number provided a minimum period of 90 days has elapsed after subscription to the mobile service of the current service provider. For change of service provider i.e. porting, a subscriber has to send an SMS (PORTMobile Number) from the number he wishes to be ported, to number 1900 whereby a Unique Porting Code (UPC) will be received on SMS from his current service provider. The subscriber will need to apply in the prescribed application form to the chosen new service provider quoting the UPC which will act as a reference while filling up the application form with new service provider.

The new service provider will then take action to get the required processes completed to enable the subscriber to get connected to his network. Porting has to be completed within 7 working days. TRAI has put a ceiling of Rs. 19/- on porting charges which the new service provider may collect from the subscriber. Post-paid subscribers before making the porting request, have to make sure that their last bill has been paid failing which the request for change to new service provider shall be rejected. In the case of pre-paid subscriber any balance amount left will not be carried forward when the number is transferred to the new service provider.

Sub: Placement of seniors at par with their juniors under TBOP/BCR Schemes – clarifications regarding.

D.G.Posts No 1-03/2007-PAP dated 2nd November,2010

I am directed to refer to your office letter No. A&P/Step-up/PGC/04 dated 11/23.8.2010 and 15.10.2010 on the subject cited above and to intimate that the issue has been examined in this Directorate, a number of times and necessary clarifications/instructions have been issued from time to time. The last such clarifications have recently been issued vide this Directorate letter of even No. dated 03-09-2010 (Copy enclosed for ready reference). All such cases may kindly be dealt with in accordance with these instructions and clarifications which inter-alia clearly envisage that the placement of officials in next higher scale/grade of pay are merely financial upgradations, granted to the officials on completion of 16 years and 26 years of qualifying services, respectively and not on the basis of their seniority. These financial upgradations are personal to the officials concerned and no stepping up of pay of the senior is admissible and/ or placement of the seniors at par with their juniors promoted under TBOP/BCR scheme is not permissible, in any case.

2. It is also informed that such issues, if any should first be taken up with the Circle Office concerned, who may examine the issue and decide /dispose it off the same at their end itself or may take up the matter with this Directorate, if required.

The Centre is considering raising the retirement age of faculty doctors of medical colleges from 65 to 70 years, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said.

Azad made the announcement while addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone of a 150 crore super speciality hospital at Tanda near here.

Highlighting the steps taken by the government to augment the standards of medical education in the country, he said in the last three years, the Centre has raised the number of MD seats in medical colleges up to 4700 per year as against 300 in previous years.

SUB: REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONS ON ENGAGEMENT OF CASUAL LABOURERS IN THE LIGHT OF THE GUIDELINES ON OUTSOURCING.

Attention of all concerned is invited to this Directorate`s OM No. 1-20/2008-PCC dated 24th Sept.,2009 containing revised duties of Multi Tasking Staff Group `C` and letter No. 1-10/2009-PCC dated 07th Sept. 2009 on guidelines and terms and conditions on outsourcing. Secretary (Posts)`s D.O. letter of even number dated 29th October,2010 on engagement of casual labourer may also be referred to.

2. The Department of Posts while designation the erstwhile Group `D` as Multi Tasking Group `C` Staff has prescribed interalia that watch and ward/caretaker duties, and general cleanliness and upkeep of section/unit/office including dusting of furniture, cleaning of building rooms & fixtures, gardening will also be the duties of Multi Tasking Staff Group `C` in addition to duties already entrusted to them.

3. In view of the revised duties assigned to the Multi Tasking Staff, there is a need to streamline the work entrusted to the Casual labourers engaged in the Department of Posts, the Competent Authority has ordered the following:

(ii) The work of sweepers and scavengers should be combined or the same may be outsourced wherever feasible.

(iii) Since duties of waterman, watch and ward, gardening, cleaning etc. are now part of duties assigned to Multi Tasking Staff, the existing practice of engaging Casual labourers as waterman,gardener, watch and ward or any other miscellaneous category shall be dispensed with w.e.f. 01st December,2010.

4. The above instructions should be followed in letter and spirit without any deviation. A compliance report of the above aspects may also be sent to this office for information of Secretary (Posts) by 31st December,2010 positively as per the proforma attached with this letter.

Department of Posts has introduced a ‘pilot project’ on e-Post Corporate service at Kerala Circle. The e-Post Corporate is being used by the Government of Kerala for sending acknowledgement of the petitions received at the office of Chief Minister of Kerala. E-Post corporate has also been introduced as a ‘pilot project’ at Tamil Nadu Circle. Here LIC Housing Finance Limited, Chennai, is sending the loan renewal notices through e-POST corporate service.

All corporate customers will be in a position to use e-Post service once it is launched at the national level.

This information was given in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha yesterday by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Delhi government Tuesday clarified that the proposal for hiking the salaries of legislators and ministers, by almost 200 percent, has not been rejected by the central government, but some queries have been raised.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the central government had only raised some queries and a reply to them has already been sent. "Whatever the problems are there, we will sort it out," she added.

Later, in a statement, the chief minister's office clarified that the central government has not turned down the legislative proposal relating to amendment of the Members of Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Salaries, Allowances, Pension etc.) Act, 1994 and the ministers of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1994.

"Some queries have been raised regarding the proposal which is quite usual relating to proposal seeking approval of other constitutional authority," the statement added.

According to officials, the central government sought certain clarifications regarding the two proposals Oct 25 and then in another letter dated Nov 9, it was assured that the proposal of hike would be processed expeditiously on receipt of these clarifications.

The statement said the salary and allowances of members of the state legislative assembly were not reviewed even after the "significant" increase in the salaries of government employees as recommended by the 6th Pay Commission.

Justifying the proposed hike of nearly 200 percent, it contended the fact of inflation and that the legislators are not granted the accommodation and other facilities, prompted the government to move a proposal in this regard.

"The main thrust of the proposal is to increase the salary of the legislators to Rs.20,000/- per mensem. Other allowances to the legislators have been proposed to facilitate an effective interaction with the electorate," the statement said.

The Railway Board vide above letter have authorized the Zonal Railways to engage retired Running Staff(Loco Pilots and Guards) on daily remuneration basis citing acute shortage of the staff and engage such retired staff to manage the non-running duties such as Lobby Supervisors/ Power Controllers etc. These unilateral orders have been issued by the Railway Board without any consultation with the Federation.

The posts of Lobby Supervisors(Crew Controllers) and Power Controllers(PCRs) and Traction Loco Controllers) are of supervisory in nature and in the GP of Rs.4600(Rs.6500-10500) were earlier filled on promotion as a cadre post and now on promotion as a tenure post.

In Southern Railway alone, there are about more than 120 Crew Controllers/Power Controller posts and this action of the Railway Board, directing Zonal Railways to engage retired Running Staff, not only deprives avenue of promotions to Loco Running Staff but also creates a precarious situation of regular cadre Running Staff placed under supervisory control of a casual labour by way of engaging retired Running Staff. This will result in serious discontentment among the Running Staff, and especially in Southern Railway, where there is not acute shortage, needs such a haphazard arrangement just because of a uniform orders of the Railway Board.

AIRF demands withdrawal of the above cited letter of the Railway Board immediately.

We have received a copy of the note, contained in the above cited letter of the Railway Board, wherein the Railway Board have sought views/ comments of the Federation.

After submission of the report of the VI CPC, there had been a discussion between the Secretary(Staff Side), National Council(JCM) and the VI CPC, wherein it was made clear to the Pay Commission that the Productivity Linked Bonus is a bilateral settlement arrived between the Railway Board and the Federations. Therefore, suggestion of the Pay Commission to implement Performance Related Incentive Scheme(PRIS) in the Railways cannot be accepted as a recommendation of the VI CPC.

In view of the above, Performance Related Incentive Scheme(PRIS) is not acceptable to us.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Lucknow HC orders revival of pension facilities to state government employees

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court ordered the revival of pension facilities to the Development Authorities employees and said state government cannot ignore the pension of the employees as it was a right of a retired person.

The court said after serving the government department or Development Authorities till the age of 60 years, a person is entitled for pension benefit and how can the government stop it.

A division bench comprising Justices Devi Prasad Singh and Vedpal asked all the government departments, including the Nagar Palika, Municipal Corporation, Development Authorities and other departments to provide pensions benefit to all the retired employees within next three months.

The court, hearing a petition filed by Pensioners Association, Uttar Pradesh, also cancelled the government order to stop pension of the employees of the Development Authorities in 1999.

The judges asked how the government stopped the pension facilities to the employees of the Development Authority through an administrative order on April 5, 1999 when it had provided the facilities from 1983 to 1999. UNI

The details of schemes for providing pre-matric and post-matric scholarships to SC/OBC students are given below :-

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the following centrally sponsored schemes for providing pre-matric and post-matric scholarships to SC/OBC students. All these schemes are implemented by the State Governments/UT administrations, which are provided Central assistance in accordance with the funding pattern of each scheme.

1. Scheme of Post Matric Scholarships to the Students belonging to Scheduled Castes for Studies in India:

The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Scheduled castes students studying at post matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. The financial assistance includes maintenance allowance, reimbursement of non-refundable compulsory fee charged by educational institutions, Book Bank facility and other allowances.

Income ceiling:- The scholarship is to be paid to the students whose parent’s/guardian’s income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum.

Date of last revision:- The scheme was last revised w.e.f. 1-4-2003. The proposal for further revision is under consideration.

2. Scheme of Pre Matric Scholarships to the children of those engaged in unclean occupation:

The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the children of scavengers, sweepers having traditionally link with scavenging, flayers and tanners, irrespective of their religion, to pursue education upto matriculation level. The target group covers SC students also. The State Governments and Union Territory Administrations implement the Scheme. The financial assistance includes monthly scholarship and annual adhoc grant. The Scheme covers eligible students studying in Class I to X.

Income ceiling:- There is no income ceiling prescribed under the scheme.

3. Scheme of Post Matric Scholarships to the OBC Students:

The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the OBC students studying at post matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. The financial assistance includes maintenance allowance, reimbursement of non-refundable compulsory fee charged by educational institutions, Book Bank facility and other allowances.

Income ceiling:- The scholarship is to be paid to the students whose parent’s/guardian’s income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 44,500/- per annum.

4. Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarships to the OBC Students:

Under this scheme, scholarships are awarded to the students belonging to OBCs from Class-I to Class-X for day scholars and from Class-III to Class-X for hostellers. The duration of Scholarship in an academic year is 10 months. The scholarship is tenable in such institutions and for such pre-matriculation courses, which have been duly recognised by the concerned State Government/Union Territory administration. The financial assistance includes maintenance allowance and adhoc-grants.

Income ceiling:- The scholarship is to be paid to the students whose parent’s/guardian’s income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 44,500/- per annum.

The scholarship schemes are revised from time to time, keeping in view various factors including increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) and availability of funds.

The proposal to increase the income ceiling, scholarship rates and other allowances under these schemes, except the “Pre-matric scholarship scheme for children of those engaged in unclean occupation” (which was last revised with effect from 1.4.2008), is under consideration. However, it is not possible to indicate a time-frame in this regard.

This information was given by Shri. D. Napoleon, the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha Yesterday.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 defines ‘Senior Citizen’ as a person who has attained the age of 60 years or above. The Act provides for claim for maintenance allowance; geriatric and health care; shelter and protection of life and property.

The Act comes into force upon notification by individual State Governments. 22 States and all Union Territories have notified the Act so far. The Act is not applicable to the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The remaining 5 States have already been requested to notify the Act.

This information was given by Shri. D. Napoleon, the Minister of State for Social Justice &Empowerment, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha Yesterday.

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the 43rd session of Indian Labour Conference on 23rd November 2010 at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has a unique mechanism of tripartite consultation amongst social partners – Workers, Employers and Government, at various levels – sectoral as well as national – on issues relating to labour. The Indian Labour Conference – the apex tripartite consultative body at national level has been aptly described as the “Labour Parliament of India”, a confluence of creative forces and energies and the testing ground of tripartite consensus in decision making. The first such tripartite consultation at national level was held in 1942 as Tripartite National Labour Conference – subsequently renamed as Indian Labour Conference since 1944. So far, 42 Sessions of Indian Labour Conference have been held to discuss prominent labour related issues. The 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference being held on 23 – 24th November, 2010 under the chairmanship of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of Labour & Employment.

The Conference will deliberate upon very topical and critical issues viz., (i) Global Financial downturn – its impact – job losses – comprehensive package for protection of labour force, etc., (ii) Problems of contract labour – social security, wages, etc. and amendments in the contract labour legislations and (iii) Employment generation and skill development. The conference will be attended by senior representatives of Workers and Employers Organisations and State Labour Ministers & Sr. Officers from Central Ministries/Departments and State Governments. Central Ministers have also been invited to attend the Conference. Some fruitful results are likely to emerge from the brain-storming sessions on issues before the conference. This process will definitely strengthen the institutions of social dialogue already, in place and will result in better understanding of each other’s perspective and convergence of varied ideas and approaches amongst social partners.

The Indian Labour Conference (ILC) is the apex level tripartite consultative committee in the Ministry of Labour & Employment to advise the Government on the issues concerning working class of the country. All the 12 Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of employers, all State Governments and Union Territories and Central Ministries/Departments concerned with the agenda items, are the members of the ILC.

Parity in number of representatives is maintained between the Employers’ and Workers’ Groups by allocation of equal number of seats to each Group. As recommended by the National Labour Conference held in September 17-18, 1982, only Trade Union Organisations, which have, a membership of more than five lakhs spread over four States and four industries are given representation in the ILC. The Employers Organisations represented in ILC include, CIE (SCOPE, EFI & AIOE), AIMO, LUB, CII, FICCI & ASSOCHAM. The Government seats are determined so as to give representation to various Central Ministries, State Governments and Union Territories.

As a matter of practice, and to maintain continuous dialogue with social partners, a meeting of this apex body is convened once in a year to discuss the topical issues concerning labour.

The first meeting of the Indian Labour Conference (then called Tripartite National Labour Conference) was held in 1942 and so far a total of 42 Sessions have been held. The 42nd Session was held on 20 – 21 February, 2009. As a consensus desire of all social partners, the conference is inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

The 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference is scheduled to be held on 23 – 24, November, 2010 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of Labour &; Employment.

The tripartite Standing Labour Committee reviews the action taken on the conclusions of previous sessions of ILC and decides the items to be included in the agenda for the next session of ILC.

After the inaugural Session and general discussion on 23rd November, 2010, the Conference will split into the following three committees to have detailed deliberation on each of the three items of the agenda of the Conference:

Each Conference Committee will meet separately to discuss the subject matter assigned to it in detail and present the conclusions arrived at therein for adoption in the Concluding Session of the Conference.

Deputation Policy as contained in Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines is being followed by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

Group ‘A’ officers of Department of Telecommunications are on deemed deputation in MTNL and BSNL as their absorption process is not yet complete. Similarly some executives of MTNL and BSNL are working on deputation in some other Departments.

This information was given in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

1. After the implementation of Sixth Central Pay Commission Recommendations by Government of India on September, 2008, w.e.f- 1.1.2006, Government of Tamil Nadu revised scales of pay and allowances of its employees on 1st June, 2009, w.e.f-1.1.2007 following the principles of Sixth Central Pay Commissions Recommendations and the acceptance of it by the Government of India.

2. While implementing the Central Pay Scales to state Government employees, Tamil Nadu Government decided to adopt revised pay scales on ‘ pay scale to pay scale basis’ and the existing 28 scales were retained and revised as indicated in the Schedule-I following the principle of Sixth Central Pay Commission. (For Schedule-I please see Annexure- I

3. Junior Engineers (having the Entry qualification of Diploma in Engineering) of Public Works Department of Tamilnadu were granted the Grade Pay of Rs.4400 and the Assistant Engineers (Having the Entry qualification of Graduate in Engineering) were granted the Grade Pay of Rs.4700.

4. Further Government of Tamil Nadu appointed “One Man Commission’ to study the anomalies afte the implementation of new pay scales. The order for the constitution of the commission G.O.Ms.No.444, Finance (PC) Department was issued on 09-09-2009. The commission has submitted its report in March 2010 - well with in the tenure. The Commission recommended for revision of pay scales from 1.1.2006 notionally.

5. ‘One Man Commission’ revised the Grade Pay of Assistant Engineers of PWD to Rs.5400 and extended the Grade Pay to all the posts in other Departments which is having the direct recruit element of Graduate Engineering. ( Part Recommendations of “one man commission” about PWD is given in Annexure-II)

6. Classification of Posts:- Gazette No.36, (Part-III – section 1 (b)) Dated 15.09.2010 of Government of Tamil Nadu classified the posts under the Tamil Nadu state and subordinate service into the following Groups,

By this classification Group-B Gazetted status is being extended from the level of Junior Engineer.( Gazette No.36 of Government of Tamil Nadu is attached in Anexure-III).

7. Government of Tamil Nadu which always follows the Central government pay structure sensing the importance of Engineers and duties and responsibilities shouldered by them granted better pay scale and status to them.